SteelSeries’ Arctis Nova 5 is a wireless gaming-headset family announced on May 14, 2024, with standard, PlayStation-focused and Xbox-focused models. Its main draws are 2.4GHz wireless plus Bluetooth 5.3 switching, a claimed 60-plus hours of battery life, and more than 100 game-specific presets in the Nova 5 Companion App.
What is the Arctis Nova 5?
The Nova 5 series is SteelSeries’ wireless headset range for gaming across consoles, PC and mobile. At launch, SteelSeries highlighted a mix of 2.4GHz wireless for gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 Quick Switch, allowing users to switch between those connections from the headset. The family also supports SteelSeries’ Sonar Audio Software Suite on PC for audio controls covering game sound, chat and microphone handling.
SteelSeries announced the series and its companion app on May 14, 2024, with a US launch MSRP of $129.99. The company later announced white versions of the Nova 5, 5P and 5X on September 17, 2024, listing a North American MSRP of $129.99 for those models. Those are launch and announcement prices, not a guarantee of current retail pricing. SteelSeries’ launch announcement and its white-model announcement contain the details.
What is the difference between Nova 5, 5P and 5X?
The variants are aimed at different console ecosystems. Use the ecosystem you own as the starting point, then confirm the exact compatibility and controls on the product page for your region.
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- 100+ GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Unlock tailored audio presets for top games like GTA V, FIFA, Call of Duty, and more, with the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App
- 60-HOUR BATTERY — Play longer than ever with the next-gen battery. Go 8 hours a day all week; plus with USB-C Fast Charge get 6 hours of use in just 15 minutes
- QUICK-SWITCH WIRELESS — Toggle between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 with a tap of a button to take a call or listen to media; notification beeps keep you posted on incoming calls while gaming
- NEODYMIUM MAGNETIC DRIVERS — These drivers create an ultra-detailed soundscape of crystal clear highs, pinpoint mids, and deep bass for your space journey
- NEXT-GEN MIC — Our upgraded, fully retractable ClearCast 2.X microphone has 2X the clarity with a high-bandwidth chipset supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio
| Model | Best fit | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Arctis Nova 5 | PC and general console use | Check the regional product page for specific platform behavior. SteelSeries’ Nova 5 page |
| Arctis Nova 5P | PlayStation-first setups | SteelSeries says PlayStation does not support ChatMix. SteelSeries’ Nova 5P page |
| Arctis Nova 5X | Xbox-first setups | It is the Xbox-oriented member of the Nova 5 family. Verify regional compatibility on SteelSeries’ Xbox-specific page. SteelSeries’ Nova 5X page |
All three models are listed by SteelSeries as compatible with the Companion App. The 5P page lists the family’s core wireless and microphone features; the PlayStation ChatMix limitation is the clearest stated platform-specific difference in the available product information. A matching model name does not by itself establish that every feature or control behaves identically on every console.
Does the Nova 5 work with PS5, Xbox, PC, Switch and mobile?
SteelSeries positions the Nova 5 family for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC and mobile. The 5P is the PlayStation-oriented option and the 5X is the Xbox-oriented option. For a mixed-device setup, check the specific model’s regional product page for the intended console and connection method before buying; the standard Nova 5 page also advises checking exact platform behavior.
Rank #2
- 100+ GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Unlock tailored audio presets for top games like GTA V, FIFA, Call of Duty, and more, with the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App
- 60-HOUR BATTERY — Play longer than ever with the next-gen battery. Go 8 hours a day all week; plus with USB-C Fast Charge get 6 hours of use in just 15 minutes
- QUICK-SWITCH WIRELESS — Toggle between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 with a tap of a button to take a call or listen to media; notification beeps keep you posted on incoming calls while gaming
- NEODYMIUM MAGNETIC DRIVERS — These drivers create an ultra-detailed soundscape of crystal clear highs, pinpoint mids, and deep bass for your space journey
- NEXT-GEN MIC — Our upgraded, fully retractable ClearCast 2.X microphone has 2X the clarity with a high-bandwidth chipset supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio
The advertised 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.3 Quick Switch combination is designed to let a user move between wireless connections from the headset. That does not mean every platform supports every headset feature: SteelSeries specifically notes that PlayStation does not support ChatMix on the 5P. Sonar is a PC software suite, so its deeper audio controls should not be treated as console app features.
How long does the Nova 5 battery last?
SteelSeries advertises more than 60 hours of wireless battery life for the Nova 5 series. The white-model announcement says USB-C fast charging provides about six hours of use after a 15-minute charge. These are manufacturer claims; the announcements do not specify test conditions or guarantee identical runtime in every use pattern. See the launch announcement and white-series release.
Rank #3
- 100 GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Unlock tailored audio presets for top games like GTA V, FIFA, Call of Duty, and more, with the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App
- 60-HOUR BATTERY — Play longer than ever with the next-gen battery. Go 8 hours a day all week; plus with USB-C Fast Charge get 6 hours of use in just 15 minutes
- QUICK-SWITCH WIRELESS — Toggle between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 with a tap of a button to take a call or listen to media; notification beeps keep you posted on incoming calls while gaming
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO — Custom-designed Neodymium Magnetic Drivers create an ultra-detailed soundscape of clear highs, pinpoint mids, and deep bass
- NEXT-GEN MIC — Our upgraded, fully retractable ClearCast 2.X microphone has 2X the clarity with a high-bandwidth chipset supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio
What does the Nova 5 Companion App do?
The Companion App is a phone-side customization tool for Nova 5 headsets. SteelSeries says it provides access to more than 100 game-specific audio presets, developed with input from audio engineers, esports professionals and game developers. Players can choose a preset for a supported game rather than starting from a blank EQ, then use headset customization features available through the app. SteelSeries’ support FAQ identifies the Nova 5, 5P and 5X as compatible devices: Arctis Companion App FAQ.
For more detailed PC sound routing and adjustment, Sonar is a separate part of SteelSeries’ software suite. SteelSeries describes it as including parametric EQ and controls for game audio, chat and microphone handling. The company also promotes Sonar noise cancellation on PC. The ClearCast 2.X microphone is described as supporting 32 kHz/16-bit audio; that specification is a manufacturer statement, not an independent microphone-quality measurement. See SteelSeries’ white-series announcement and Nova 5P product information.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Almighty Audio — Custom-designed Nova Acoustic System features best-in class audio for gaming with High Fidelity Drivers. Fully customize your ideal sound experience with a first-in gaming Pro-grade Parametric EQ.
- 360 degree Spatial Audio - Immersive surround sound transports you to the gaming world, letting you hear every critical step, reload, or vocal cue to give you an advantage. *Fully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 / Microsoft Spatial Sound
- Adjustable for Perfect Fit — The ComfortMAX System includes height-adjusting, rotating earcups with AirWeave memory cushion and a stretchy band. The lightweight form of the headset keeps you comfortable no matter how long you play.
- Bidirectional Noise-Cancelling Mic — The ClearCast Gen 2 mic silences background noise by up to 25dB on any platform to give you crystal clear comms. Fully retract the mic into the earcup for a sleeker look.
- Multi-Platform Support - Easily connect to any gaming console with a 3.5mm jack, such as PlayStation, PC, Xbox, or Switch. Works great with mobile devices as well.
Rank #4
- 100+ GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Unlock tailored audio presets.
- 60-HOUR BATTERY — Play longer than ever with the next-gen battery. Go 8 hours a day all week; plus with USB-C Fast Charge get 6 hours of use in just 15 minutes
- QUICK-SWITCH WIRELESS — Toggle between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 with a tap of a button to take a call or listen to media; notification beeps keep you posted on incoming calls while gaming
- NEODYMIUM MAGNETIC DRIVERS — These drivers create an ultra-detailed soundscape of crystal clear highs, pinpoint mids, and deep bass for your space journey
- NEXT-GEN MIC — Our upgraded, fully retractable ClearCast 2.X microphone has 2X the clarity with a high-bandwidth chipset supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio
Which Nova 5 should you choose?
- Choose the 5P if PlayStation is your primary console, while accounting for the lack of PlayStation ChatMix support.
- Choose the 5X if you primarily play on Xbox.
- Consider the standard Nova 5 for PC and general console use, after checking its regional compatibility details.
- Value the app presets if you want game-focused starting points for audio tuning; consider Sonar if you will use PC-based EQ, chat and microphone controls.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
